“DINOSAUR ARMORED WARFARE: Ankylosaurs of GSENM”

January 23 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Some of the most peculiar dinosaurs to ever evolve are the ankylosaurs. With their low profiles and pervasive, thick, prickly armor, they evoke images out of a Godzilla movie; humorously being called the “tanks” of the Cretaceous. Two main groups are known, one with medieval looking tail clubs (ankylosaurs) and one lacking such offensive weaponry (nodosaurs). Both groups are present in recent collections from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with at least four new species represented, only one of which has been officially named. The overall uniqueness of GSENM’s ankylosaur dinosaurs indicates much higher dinosaur diversity in the Late Cretaceous of North America (66-100 million years ago) than previously thought, while the unique thorny head of the only named species (Akainacephalus johnsoni), also hints at a previously unrecognized connection with Mongolia.

Come learn about the origins of this bizarre dinosaur family, as well as their fascinating story of discovery unfolding from GSENM.